Judaism and Vegetarianism

The vegetarian diet enjoys a degree of popularity in the West. Some choose to be vegetarian for aesthetic reasons: they don't like the taste of meat, or they regard a meat-based diet as less healthy. Others are vegetarians because they find it morally wrong to kill an animal for food.

What does Judaism say about all this?

First, some background on the Jewish worldview:

Ideally there should be no barriers between one's physical and spiritual existence. Life should be a seamless expression of connecting to the Master of the Universe, the Author of our being. From the Jewish perspective, activities that present themselves as mundane– eating, sleeping, conducting business, relationships, etc.– are part of serving God, no less than the ritual observance of prayer, study and giving charity.

The act of eating should be a means of bringing sanctity into our lives.

Earthly activities are the bridge through which we access higher realms. Therefore, the act of eating is not a meaningless, sensual indulgence, nor even a necessary means of maintaining our physical well being. It can and should be the proverbial ladder to heaven– a means of bringing holiness and sanctity into our lives.

The Talmud (Yerushalmi Kiddushin very end) says that at the end of one's life, the first question God asks is: "Did you taste every fruit that I put on Earth?" We are enjoined to appreciate all of life's bounty. Indeed, Maimonides deems it a mitzvah to partake of meat on the holidays, in order to increase one's pleasure and rejoicing. (In practice, this does not apply to those who do not enjoy these foods.)

In general, Judaism permits the eating of meat, provided that the animal: is a species permitted by the Torah (Leviticus chapter 11); is ritually slaughtered (shechita) (Deut. 12:21); has the non-kosher elements (blood and certain fats and sinews) removed (Leviticus 3:17; Genesis 32:33); is prepared without mixing meat and milk (Exodus 34:26); and that appropriate blessings are recited (Deut. 8:10).

By eating in the Torah-prescribed manner, and with the proper focus and intent, says the Talmud, one's table can become a virtual altar in the service of God.

Compassion for Animals

At the same time, the Torah stresses compassion for animals. Indeed, by no coincidence, many of our greatest biblical leaders were shepherds, and the Talmud describes how God chose Moses for Jewish leadership based on his tender care for flocks of sheep.

Here are some examples of Jewish legislation regarding the ethical treatment of animals:

One is obligated to relieve an animal's suffering (i.e. unburden it), even if it belongs to your enemy. (Exodus 23:5)

If an animal depends on you for sustenance, it is forbidden to eat anything until feeding the animal first. (Talmud - Brachot 40a, based on Deut. 11:15)

We are commanded to grant our animals a day of rest on Shabbat. (Exodus 20:10)

It is forbidden to use two different species to pull the same plow, since this is unfair to the weaker animal. (Deut. 22:10)

It is a mitzvah to send away a mother bird before taking her young. (Deut. 22:7)

It is forbidden to kill a cow and her calf on the same day. (Leviticus 22:28)

It is prohibited to sever and eat a limb off a live animal. (Genesis 9:4; this is one of the "Noachide" laws that apply to Jews and non-Jews alike.)

Shechita (ritual slaughter) must be done with a minimum of pain to the animal. The blade must be meticulously examined to assure the most painless form of death possible. ("Chinuch" 451; "Pri Megadim" - Introduction to Shechita Laws).

To deal casually or cavalierly with the life of an animal is antithetical to Jewish values. This sensitivity is illustrated by the following story:

In a small European village, a shochet (ritual slaughterer) fetched some water to apply to his blade in the preparation process. At a distance, he observed a very old man, watching him and shaking his head from side to side disapprovingly. Finally, the young shochet asked the old man for an explanation.

The old man replied that as he watched him prepare his blade, it brought back memories from many years earlier when, as a young man, he had observed the saintly Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov (founder of the chassidic movement) doing the same thing. But the difference, he explained, was that Rabbi Israel did not need to fetch water in order to sharpen the blade– rather the tears that streamed from his eyes were adequate.

Hierarchy of Creation

While Jewish law protects the ethical treatment of animals, Judaism also maintains that animals are meant to serve mankind, as it says: "Let man dominate the fish, birds and animals" (Genesis 1:26). There is a clear hierarchy of creation, with man at the pinnacle.

Maimonides identifies four levels in the hierarchy of creation, in which every creature derives its sustenance from the level beneath it:

When food is consumed, its identity is transformed into that of the one eating it. Thus the Talmud (Pesachim 59b) regards it as morally justified to eat animals only when we are involved in holy and spiritual pursuits. It is only then that the human actualizes his highest potential, and the consumed animal is, so to speak, elevated to the level of "human."

In Jewish consciousness, the highest level an animal can achieve is to be consumed by a human and used in the service of God. A chicken on a Shabbos table is a very lucky chicken! (see "Tanya" ch. 7)

If, however, the person is acting like an animal, then by what right may he consume his "peer"? What spiritual improvement can he confer upon this animal by eating it?

Therefore, before eating meat, we must ask ourselves the very sobering question of whether in fact, given who we are, are we indeed benefiting this animal?

When eating is not merely an act of "mindless consumption," but rather an act with clear intent that the strength and energy one derives from the food will be utilized to benefit the world, then eating has been sublimated to an act of worship.

Radicalized Extension

Animal rights can be a double-edged sword: While the animal kingdom is important and must be treated ethically, we must recognize that there is no equivalence of species. Among all living things, humankind alone is created in the "image of God" (Genesis 1:26).

When the lines are blurred, when both human and animal life is considered equally sacred, this can trigger a dangerous philosophy that regards killing a human being as no more heinous than killing an animal.

Rabbi Yosef Albo (14th century) asserts that this philosophy has its roots in the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Genesis chapter 4 describes how Cain brought a sacrifice of grain, while his brother Abel offered animals. Rabbi Albo explains that Cain regarded humans and animals as equals and, accordingly, felt he had no right to kill them.

Cain then extended this misguided logic: If people and animals are inherently equal, then just as one could permit taking the life of an animal, so too could one permit taking the life of his fellow man. Thus Cain was able to justify the murder of his brother.

The Nazis passed laws protecting animals, while relegating Jews to the status of "sub-human."

In modern times, the radicalized extension of Cain's philosophy came afore during the 1930s, when the Nazis passed a number of laws protecting animals, e.g. restricting the use of live animals in biomedical experiments ("vivisection"). All the while, the Nazis were killing off millions of humans. (Actually, Jews were legally relegated to the status of "sub-human.") The lines between human and animal had been totally obscured.

Today this radical vegetarianism is expressed by the organization PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals). As one example, PETA's shocking multi-media display, "Holocaust on Your Plate," juxtaposes photos of Nazi concentration camp victims with photos of chicken farms, drawing a gross moral equivalence.

In academia, too, Princeton University philosopher Peter Singer has written and lectured extensively on how the welfare of animals supercedes that of ill babies; he also calls for society to accept human-animal domestic partnerships.

Judaism's permitting animals for food serves as a pragmatic hedge against such extremism: constantly reminding man of his unique status among God's creation. The 18th century kabbalist, Rabbi Moshe Chaim Lutzatto, explains that all living things– humans and animals– have souls. However, not all souls are created equal. Animals have a soul which animates them and carries within it the instincts for survival, procreation, fear, etc. Only humans, with a Divine soul, have the ability to forge a relationship with God, the transcendent dimension. Only humans have the ability to choose higher "soul pleasures"– like helping the poor, even at the expense lower "body pleasures" like hoarding more food for ourselves. You'll never see a hungry dog say to his friends, "Let's not fight over this," or "Let's save some for the other dogs who aren't here."

Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook (purportedly a vegetarian) writes that man was granted dominion over animals in order to underscore our spiritual superiority and heightened moral obligations. Were man to accord animals the same rights as humans, then just as we don't expect high moral standards from animals, we would, tragically, lower our expectations of humans as well.

Historical Precedents

Historically, Adam and Eve were vegetarians, as it says: "vegetables and fruits shall be your food" (Genesis 1:29). God only permitted meat to Noah and his descendents after the Flood (Genesis 9:3; Talmud - Sanhedrin 59b).

Why the shift?

Some commentators explain that before the Flood, man was above the food chain, given the responsibility to take care of the world and everything in it. After the Flood, man sunk a level and became linked with the food chain, albeit at the top of it. Mankind had fallen in its ability to influence the animal world through actions and deeds, and it thus became necessary to influence the animal world more directly by ingesting them.

After the Flood, mankind had fallen in its ability to influence the animal world.

Rabbi Yosef Albo, mentioned earlier, asserts that Cain's misguided philosophy was adopted by succeeding generations, and meat was permitted to Noah in order to emphasize the superiority of humanity over the animal kingdom.

Another commentator, the Malbim, explains the shift from a physical perspective: The post- diluvian era was marked by a general weakening of the human condition. As the quality of produce became nutritionally inferior, and as mankind became geographically dispersed and subject to varying climates, it became necessary to supplement the human diet with animal products.

Some cite the precedent of Adam and Eve as indication that in a perfect world, i.e. in the future time of the Messiah, humans will return to universal vegetarianism. The vast majority of rabbinic scholars, however, maintain that animal offerings will be resumed in the Messianic era. Indeed, the Talmud (Baba Batra 75a) declares that when the Messiah arrives, God will prepare a flesh-based feast for the righteous.

Summary

In conclusion, Judaism accepts the idea of a vegetarian diet, though dependent on one's intention:

Vegetarianism based on the idea that we have no moral right to kill animals is not an acceptable Jewish view.

Vegetarianism for aesthetic or health reasons is acceptable; indeed, the Torah's mandate to "guard yourselves carefully" (Deut. 4:15) requires that we pay attention to health issues related to a meat-centered diet. Some points to consider include the contemporary increase in sickness in animals created by factory farm conditions, and the administration of growth hormones, antibiotics and other drugs given to animals. All of these may be possible health risks to humans.

In addition, there is the possible violation of tzaar baalai chaim (causing pain to animals) resulting from mass production methods of raising, transporting and slaughtering animals. The great 20th century American sage, Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, forbade raising veal in cramped and painful conditions, and forbade feeding animals chemicals in place of food, since this would deprive them of the pleasure of eating. ("Igros Moshe" EH 4:92)

Rabbi Benzion of Bobov was strolling with a disciple, deeply engrossed in scholarly conversation. As they passed a tree, the student mindlessly pulled off a leaf and unconsciously shredded it into pieces.

Rabbi Benzion stopped abruptly. The student, startled, asked what was wrong. In response, the rabbi asked him why he had picked the leaf off of the tree.

The disciple, taken aback, could think of no response.

The rabbi explained that all of nature– birds, trees, even every blade of grass– everything that God created in this world, sings its own form of praise to its Creator. If they should be needed for food and sustenance, they are ingested and become part of the song of the higher species. But to pull a leaf off a tree for no purpose at all is to wastefully silence its song, giving it no recourse, as it were, to join any other instrument in the symphony of nature.

Yes, Judaism permits the eating of meat, provided that proper intent and mindfulness are present: to elevate the Divine energy contained in meat to a higher human level; to use energy derived from eating to discharge spiritual and moral responsibilities; and to serve God through the pleasures of His world.

For further reading: "Vegetarianism and Judaism" by Rabbi J. David Bleich, Contemporary Halakhic Problems, Volume III.

Rebbetzin Feige Twerski of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has devoted her life to Jewish education and Outreach, giving lectures worldwide on a myriad of Judaic subjects. She is a mother of 11 children, and many grandchildren whose number she refuses to divulge. She serves as the Rebbetzin along side her husband, Rabbi Michel Twerski, of Congregation Beth Jehudah of Milwaukee.

Rabbi Shraga Simmons is the co-founder of Aish.com, and co-author of "48 Ways to Wisdom" (ArtScroll). He is Founder and Director of Aish.com's advanced learning site. He is co-founder of HonestReporting.com, and author of "David & Goliath", the definitive account of anti-Israel media bias. Originally from Buffalo, New York, he holds a degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, and rabbinic ordination from the Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem. He lives with his wife and children in the Modi'in region of Israel.

Animals eat vegetation. Humans should eat vegetation. There is more vegetation than animals for food so first option is vegetation. Vegetation give fresh air and shelter. Vegetation can consume humans for nutrients and so can animals. Harmony is sustainable vegetation for food usage reducing damage as much as possible. Thank you.

(48)
Laurence,
February 28, 2017 8:01 AM

bugs

Why didn't Noah squash those 2 mosquitoes? Maybe we should be careful to not kill any germs or viruses. if a bug is in my house or a mouse, I am going to kill it if I have to, though I may try to save it's life by shooing it outside but I am not going to give it to much effort. If I am sick, whatever it takes to kill that bug/virus I will do!

(47)
Jennifer,
July 14, 2016 5:35 PM

Interesting!

Thank you for this article!

I was always a meat eater; until my best childhood friend introduced me to the horrors in the factory farming world and especially to what happens to young cows in the veal industry. I stopped eating meat by the time I was 20.

Growing up a conservative Jew, I was always very well aware of the sanctity ALL life holds; and personally have always loved animals and felt spiritually connected to them. Once I stopped eating meat I stopped wearing leather too; as I felt it was hypocritical not to eat meat but still to WEAR it.

PETA has its own benefits, despite the fact that they are extremist. They have shed light time and time again on the organizations involved in factory farming and have successfully won cases against many of these horrific killing fields. They've brought animal cruelty into the forefront of our minds as we wonder where those burgers or even our lipstick actually came from.

A plethora of studies from all over the world have demonstrated that a diet rich in plants and grains; and low in meat products is healthier. Results indicate lower risks for many health problems later on in life, in addition to a better level of functioning and longer life span overall. Personally, when I stopped eating red meat (but was still eating poultry) I lost 15 pounds!

I don't believe that animals are equal to humans but many animals show emotions; create long lasting familial bonds; and show compassion for their "peers." That being said I don't feel it's right to kill either.

In a perfect world everyone would follow our laws to utilize animals for food while still treating them with respect and compassion; but they don't. Until that time comes I will definitely do my part and NOT eat meat; thus saving approximately 200 animals every year. I just don't see the reason to eat another living being.

(46)
Rabbi Leo Michel Abrami,
January 27, 2015 3:19 AM

Torah and Vegetarianism (in a humorous vein)

There is a mitzvah that is seldom included in the count of the "mitzvot asseh min ha-torah" in Parshat B'shallah'.

It is the mitzvah of 'baking TOFU' which is clearly stated in Exodus 16:23.

Please let our vegetarian friends know that the Torah had not forgotten them.

Rabbi Leo Michel Abrami

Diana Rubin,
May 3, 2017 3:19 PM

What about tempeh???

Now that the Torah has dealt with tofu, what about tempeh :0)?

(45)
Lisbeth Faldetta,
April 12, 2013 5:16 PM

Judaism gives answer to all my questions about life!

I loved the story about the leaves and all things in the nature:"all of nature– birds, trees, even every blade of grass– everything that God created in this world, sings its own form of praise to its Creator. If they should be needed for food and sustenance, they are ingested and become part of the song of the higher species. But to pull a leaf off a tree for no purpose at all is to wastefully silence its song, giving it no recourse, as it were, to join any other instrument in the symphony of nature." This I have often been thinking of, kind of knew it already in my heart! Thank you!

(44)
Dan Brook,
October 3, 2011 3:05 AM

The Vegetarian Mitzvah

For more information on this fascinating subject, please visit The Vegetarian Mitzvah at www.brook.com/jveg.
In short, while Jews are not required to be vegetarian, we have the choice and vegetarianism upholds various other mitzvot as well as the highest teachings and values in Judaism.

pnina,
November 14, 2012 8:19 AM

Have just visited this site and thank you so much for this - so informative. I am proudly Jewish and have been strictly vegetarian for 43 years. I choose not to eat any flesh or derivatives thereof for the simple reason that I do believe it is morally wrong to put animals through so much suffering when there are so many alternatives available to us in this day and age. I also know without a shadow of a doubt that I will NEVER find murder, human suffering or torture acceptable - some of us are compassionate, humane toward all living creatures and yes we are able to tell the difference between animals and humans although sometimes when I look at how we humans behave I wonder at our supposed 'superiority'

(43)
Elizabeth,
August 23, 2011 8:12 PM

Pescotarian diet may be healthies!

I'm mostly vegetarian for health reasons, but - also for health - I do eat fish. My body doesn't handle the conversion of vegetarian oils into EPA and DHA very well, so I find fish is necessary. But otherwise, I stopped eating animal food because studies show that a mostly vegan diet is very beneficial to diabetics, of which I'm one. My blood sugar levels, my cholesterol and my blood pressure have all improved since becoming mainly vegetarian a year ago, and I think this must be a good reason to do it!

(42)
Keren,
July 26, 2011 9:54 PM

And not everyone can thrive on a vegetarian diet

One other consideration is that about 20% of people cannot genetically convert Omega 6 fats found in vegetables to the necessary Omega 3s. Others cannot produce enough B12. I treat many vegetarian clients in my acupuncture fertility practice and many are blood deficient, frequently anemic. Adding back in meat improves the health of many so that they can conceive and carry a child to term. Women especially may require meat, although it can improve the testosterone levels of men as well. We are enjoined to treat our bodies with respect and to produce children. A non-vegetarian diet, of non-factory farmed animals can be necessary for that

(41)
Elana,
July 20, 2011 2:23 PM

different kinds of meat eating

Thank you to the prior writers for bring up the issue of factory farmed meat. Eating that is very different then eating meat, eggs, or dairy from farms where the workers are treated well, animals are humanely raised and the earth respected.
This story quotes the extremists on vegetarianism and modern meat issues. Instead, like ANY issue, factual, more non-emotional sources must be looked at, and it is unfair to not do so in this article.
Meat can be part of a healthy, and kosher practice. But, almost all meat in the grocery store, regardless of whether it is labeled as "kosher" is not. Factory farms ignore worker rights, maltreat animals beyond recognition, and are one of the biggest polluters of creation. It is time the Jewish community stops hiding behind the kosher symbols and starts to recognize the implications of the factory farm systems we regard as "good". I hope that Aish will be a leader in this.
(for those wanting to learn more, Michael Pollan's Omnivore's Dilema is an excellent, factual book, and one that does promote careful, thoughtful meat eating!)

Lewis Regenstein,
June 15, 2012 8:43 PM

Cruelty is not Kosher

a meatless meal is completely consistent
with Jewish teachings, law, and tradition.
Numerous aspects of Judaism require us to refrain from abuse of
other creatures, which regularly suffer immensely during the raising
and slaughter of animals for food.
The code of laws forbidding cruelty to animals ("Tsa'ar ba'alei hayim",
the requirement "to prevent the suffering of living creatures") is
one of the most important aspects of Jewish law.
kindness to animals is mandated throughout the Bible and Jewish
law. Even the holiest of our laws, the Ten Commandments, requires
that farmed animals be allowed to enjoy a day of rest on the Sabbath
(Exodus 23:12, Deuteronomy 5:14). So the Almighty must have felt that
kindness to animals was not a trivial matter.
Significantly, the first commandments given by the Lord (Genesis
1:22-28) concern the welfare and survival of animals, and human
responsibilities toward them. God's very first commandment (Genesis
1:22) was to the birds, whales, fish and other creatures to "be
fruitful and multiply" and fill the seas and the skies. His first
commandment to humans (Genesis 1:28) was to "replenish the earth...
and have dominion" [stewardship] over other creatures.
It is hard to imagine that abuse of animals would be pleasing to a
merciful God. Can this truly be the will of the Lord, who called
each animal He created "good" and the Creation itself "very good"
(Genesis 1:29-31), who commanded us to leave some crops in the fields
for the wildlife (Leviticus 25:4-7), and to allow oxen to eat while
working (Deuteronomy 25:4), and who repeatedly prohibited cruelty
to animals ?
As Proverbs 12:10 tells us, "A righteous man has regard for the life
of his beast." Truly, as Psalm 145:9 states, “His compassion is over
all His creatures.”

(40)
Anonymous,
June 15, 2011 4:52 PM

Eggs and Kashrut

The only truly kosher meat and eggs should be those not factory farmed - and I believe this is only a matter of time before these considerations make their way into decisions about Kashrut. Do you know what is going on behind the scenes for that cheap $1.50 dozen of eggs you see in the grocery store? Chicks have their beaks cut off with a hot blade so that they won't peck each other to death, because they are cramped into such tiny cages with each other that the stress of their horrible living conditions causes them to attack each other and sometimes commit cannibalism. People assume I'm some looney animal-rights nut for saying this, but its the ugly truth and it's time we face it instead of dismiss or ignore it. Rabbinic authorities SHOULD be focusing on these serious issues that matter like the torture of animals in factory farms, rather than petty silliness like the imaginary bugs in water. I don't agree with Peter Singer, and the fact that the Holocaust was a systematic killing of people is categorically worse than the systematic killing of animals on the very grounds that the victims were human beings because human life is more important than animal life - but if you saw footage of the egg farms, you WOULD see some striking similarities between the atrocious brutality being cavalierly committed against these animals in pursuit of profits and appetite, which is, frankly, disgusting.

(39)
Saul Pillai,
February 7, 2011 4:43 AM

Thank you

Thank you Rebbetzin Feige Twerski and Rabbi Shraga for this article. There were many parts of this aricle I loved very especially the part about everything that God created in this world, sings its own form of praise to its Creator. For a nature lover as myself that is really beautiful.... Keep up the good work.

(38)
Non-Practising Vegetarian,
February 1, 2011 3:56 PM

Good overview

I was glad that the article didn't come out with an excessive condemnations of vegetarianism that I used to hear from frum people when I was a teenage Baal teshuva and a vegetarian and was a guest at shabbat tables where my hosts and other guests implored me and sought to convince me that it is assur to deny oneself meat on shabbat! The article should have taken into account, however, that the modern methods of factory farming were not contemplated by HAZAL and it is therefore very difficult, if not impossible, to ensure that the tsaar baalei hayyim requirements of kashrut are observed in such a setting.

(37)
TzipporahH.,
December 26, 2006 9:54 AM

Peter Singer

The link in the article to Peter Singer's viewpoints is now outdated, however I was able to find reliable information on his viewpoints from Wikipedia.

When I read in the article that he defended the killing of sick infants and relationships between humans and animals I thought surely the authors were confused or exaggerating. I'm sorry to say they are correct in their report.

It's incredible what thoughts can be sustained by those for whom Torah is hidden and ignored.

(36)
Anonymous,
November 17, 2005 12:00 AM

devolution of mankind

Being born and raised a vegetarian, this was an interesting topic for me. The concept of devolution of mankind was especially interesting;the mention of himan kind being in charge of the food chain vs being part of it.

(35)
anonymous,
November 15, 2005 12:00 AM

Thank you so much for the article

I became a vegetarian at the age of five years old (I am now eighteen). People have always commented that I am going against halacha by denying myself Hashem's food. I hope this article helps other people realize that being a vegetarian is permissable if you are doing so for aesthetic reasons. Thanks again!!

(34)
Alex,
November 14, 2005 12:00 AM

wow

thats a cool thing to learn about Kaduri

a lot to think about....

(33)
Stephen Mendelsohn,
November 8, 2005 12:00 AM

Factory farming makes vegetarianism halachically mandatory

BS"D

Unfortunately, this article glosses over the most important Jewish reason to require vegetarian/vegan diets: the extreme voilation of the prohibition against tza'ar ba'alei chayim on modern factory farms. Rabbi David Rosen, former Cheif Rabbi of Ireland, has said that the consumption of meat today is halachically unacceptable as the product of illegitimate means. Kal va-chomer, his comments would apply even more to eggs from battery caged or forced molted hens, as egg production is widely viewed as the most abusive pratice in factory farming, rivlaing the cruelty of white veal and foie gras. Even if meat eating were a mitzvah (which absent the Beit ha-Mikdash is no longer the case), consuming the flesh (or milk or eggs) of a factory farmed animal (even for korban Pesach) would constitute a mitzvah ha-ba'ah ba-aveira, akin to stealing a lulav and blessing it on Sukkot. One cannot perform a mitzvah through immoral means, and eating factory farmed meat for Shabbat dinner or using challah containing eggs from factory farmed hens for lechem mishneh would be a Torah violation, certainly according to R' Rosen. I consider his a courageous stance, especially in an age when far too many Jews behave like dietary gluttons, living high off the hog while claiming to be kosher. Even if such behavior were ruled not to violate any Torah laws, it would still be naval b'reshut ha-Torah. Being holy often means going beyond the mere letter of the Torah; even those sages who believed in elevating animals through occasional meat-eating on Shabbat or Yom Tov would likely be disgusted if they saw today's meat, egg, and dairy industries.

(32)
Dina,
November 7, 2005 12:00 AM

a kind balance

May I suggest a balance? Buy organic, free range chickens! That's the only way I don't feel guilty eating them. I know they had a good life, and were slaughtered the Torah way which is a kind way, and now I will use the health and energy from eating them to raise my growing family (and thus elevate the whole purpose of their life). By the way, halachicly, animals are not allowed to watch others of their kind being slaughtered. Can someone who works in a kosher slaughterhouse give their comments?

(31)
Yeremyahu Ben Hilkalyahu,
November 7, 2005 12:00 AM

Shalom,
I thank you for making me to know that which is above my knowledge.
Yeremyahu Ben Hilkalyahu.

(30)
Erre,
November 7, 2005 12:00 AM

You write

Loud and clear, Sir¡

(29)
Anonymous,
November 7, 2005 12:00 AM

Rav Kaduri

A Recent article in the magazine Mishpacha, about Rabbi Kaduri, the 105 year old Jerusalem m'kubbal (Kabbalist), who is one of the most well known, respective Tzaddik living in our generation mentioned that he only eats meat twice a year: on Erev Yom Kippur and at the festive Purim meal.
His family attributes his longevity to his diet: a tsp of honey and a tsp of white cheese for breakfast, plus one cup of tea with a tsp of honey. Lunch is a plate of raw vegetables.

(28)
Jay Cohn,
November 7, 2005 12:00 AM

Corrct Kavanah?

From your article and comments, one prsumably can deduce as long as you are eating animals with the right Kavanah it is ok to do so because a "chicken on the shabbat table is a lucky chicken".
I see one reason for this- the chicken is lucky it wont need to undergo anymore suffering in the factory farmed chicken outlets.
Point 2: If it is ok to eat meat only with the right Kavanah, how are so many restauants given a license? Presumably,and of course generally speaking, when one eats in a certain restaurant chain dotted around NY, the high price for fast food is more on their mind than how much respect they should be giving the animal they are eating, and the fact they are 'elevating' it.
It always seemed to me that saying you are 'elevating' an animal to a higher place by eating it is a cop-out and an excuse to jusity that which cannot really be justified.
How can eating animals be justified- can any vegetarian out there not do a mitzvah as well as the next person as they are not 'strong' enough?
It is time to stop with the excuses, hold up our hands and admit that we eat meat because we like the taste, and the fact the animals may have to suffer is just an unfortunate side to the story.

(27)
K. Katz,
November 6, 2005 12:00 AM

Is kaporos a violation of tzaar baalai chaim?

Although I've chosen to be a vegetarian, I don't disagree that the laws of kashrus clearly promote compassion and benevolence towards animals. But I have a "pet peeve" concerning the custom of kaporos: don't the chickens feel tremendous fear while being held aloft and swung around a person's head, as is the practice in some religious communities, before they receive a proper kosher kill. Isn't this a violation of tzaar baalai chaim? Eating animals for food is one thing, terrorizing them and prolonging the time it takes to perform the slaughter is another. Thanks for this detailed and objective analysis of the Judaic position on vegetarianism, and the numerous thoughtful responses it has generated.

(26)
Richard Schwartz,
November 6, 2005 12:00 AM

Jewish values point to vegetarianism as ideal diet.

As president of the Jewish Vegetarians of North America, I was pleased to see your article "Where's the beef? Examining the pros and cons" by Rebbetzin Feige Twerski and Rabbi Shraga Simmons. It is important that greater attention be placed the mass production and widespread consumption of meat, since these activities conflict with Judaism in at least six important areas:
1. While Judaism mandates that people should be very careful about preserving their health and their lives, numerous scientific studies have linked animal-based diets directly to heart disease, stroke, many forms of cancer, and other chronic degenerative diseases.
2. While Judaism forbids tsa'ar ba'alei chayim, inflicting unnecessary pain on animals, most farm animals -- including those raised for kosher consumers -- are raised on "factory farms" where they live in cramped, confined spaces, and are often drugged, mutilated, and denied fresh air, sunlight, exercise, and any enjoyment of life, before they are slaughtered and eaten.
3. While Judaism teaches that "the earth is the Lord’s" (Psalm 24:1) and that we are to be God's partners and co-workers in preserving the world, modern intensive livestock agriculture contributes substantially to soil erosion and depletion, air and water pollution, overuse of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, the destruction of tropical rain forests and other habitats, global warming, and other environmental damage.
4 While Judaism mandates bal tashchit, that we are not to waste or unnecessarily destroy anything of value, and that we are not to use more than is needed to accomplish a purpose, animal agriculture requires the wasteful use of grain, land, water, energy, and other resources.
5. While Judaism stresses that we are to assist the poor and share our bread with hungry people, over 70% of the grain grown in the United States is fed to animals destined for slaughter, while an estimated 20 million people worldwide die because of hunger and its effects each year.
6. While Judaism stresses that we must seek and pursue peace and that violence results from unjust conditions, animal-centered diets, by wasting valuable resources, help to perpetuate the widespread hunger and poverty that eventually lead to instability and war.
In view of these important Jewish mandates to preserve human health, attend to the welfare of animals, protect the environment, conserve resources, help feed hungry people, and pursue peace, and since animal-centered diets violate and contradict each of these resposibilities, I believe that committed Jews (and others) should sharply reduce or eliminate their consumption of animal products.
One could say "dayenu" (it would be enough) after any of the arguments above, because each one constitutes by itself a serious conflict between Jewish values and current practice that should impel Jews to seriously consider a plant-based diet. Combined, they make an urgently compelling case for the Jewish community to address these issues.

Some other factors to consider are:
* God's first dietary regimen was strictly vegetarian (Genesis 1:29); * * Manna, a vegetarian food "like corriander seed" kept the Israelis in good health for 40 years in the wilderness and when the people cried out for flesh, many died at "the Graves of Lust," while eating the quails that God reluctantly provide;
* The Messianic Period will be vegetarian according to Rav Abraham Isaac hakohen Kook, first Chief Rabbi of pre-state Israel, based on Isaiah's prophecy of the wolf dwelling with the lamb and the lion eating straw like the ox.

(25)
anita cole,
November 6, 2005 12:00 AM

Please check current practices

B"H. Dear Rabbitzen Trweski and Rabbi Simmons,
Thank you for article on vegetarianism. I am an Orthodox Jew and a vegetarian. In your article, you touched the cruel conditions animals in the factory farming industry endure. I think, perhaps, if you took a deeper look into this industry you would find it very hard to consider these animals being treated properly inder the concept of "tsar ba'alei chaim." If you have seen the debeeking process of chicks (they do this because many fo the chicken go crazy being in such cramped conditions for all of their lives), the shock of which is so great that many die; if you have seen dead chickens still in the upright position because they are being held up by the other chickens ("layers") because their cage is packed they can't move; if you have seen geese forcibly held so the food could be stuffed down their gullets, I do not think you could possibly consider this tsar ba'alei chaim. These animals are sentient beings and it has been shown that they do feel this pain. This is but a few examples. The majority of the chickens, eggs, etc. etc. on the market today is from a factory farming setting. If you haven't yet, please find some time to watch these videos. I am staunchly against PETA for the reason you gave. But the Antivisection Society and other organizations have these tapes. I would be happy to get some to you if you would like. Just let me know.

Thank you for your time in reading this email.

Respectfully,
Anita Cole

(24)
raye,
November 6, 2005 12:00 AM

From a meat-loving vegetarian

I enjoy the smell of certain meats broiling or roasting. At heart I am
carniverous. As a vegetarian, I have healed faster than anyone I know from major surgery. I have also benefited from eliminating dairy products from my diet because of allergic reactions.

(23)
Tova Saul,
November 6, 2005 12:00 AM

Nothing new here

There was nothing new in this article for me, as I have long pondered issues of animal welfare, and the silly things people----Orthodox Jews in particular-----say about it, such as bringing up Nazi attitudes towards animals. (Many Nazis were actually quite brutal to their animals, for one thing, and for another, if a Nazi happens to like animals, pizza, movies, or whatever, does that mean I shouldn't?)

And sure, meat is permitted to eat. But so are coffee and smoking permitted. Does that mean that it's a good idea to drink coffee and smoke?

Your article covers very many points and angles, but in the end, I felt left with the thought: Sure we're supposed to be kind to animals, but in order for us to feel superior, we gotta eat them. If we don't eat them, then God forbid, we'll get all confused as to who is the crown of creation. And, rather having rescued the 1000 animals that I've rescued in Israel in the past 24 years, I should have become a shochet to express my kindness, so I could have done animals the honor of being eaten by the average Joe Shmoe Jew who deludes himself that he's eating his roast beef in order to go out and do mitzvas. Geesh!

Once, a yeshiva bocher brought to me a tiny kitten that he found in front of the Kotel. That kitten had cried for help for so long, that it had lost its voice and was making a croaking sound. Hundreds of "pious" Jews on their way to pray had to have passed this kitten without feeling a drop of compassion, and without raising a finger to save it. God is not happy about such things.

Today, a tiny kitten was loudly cry ALL DAY from a rooftop. I watched as people heard it and kept going. Only I rescued it. God is not happy about such things.

This morning an 11-year old boy kicked a kitten on Ararat St in the Rova. I took away his kipa and told him he didn't deserve to wear it. He went complaining to his mother. I asked her if she ever taught her son about how to behave with animals. She unashamedly said "No."

My point is: I'm tired of reading Jewish articles that equivocate over the respective roles of people and animals. When will an article appear that loudly proclaims that people are causing vast amounts of animal suffering, and Orthodox Jews should be the leading voices against it? When will we, as Orthodox Jews, stop using the excuse that "I have a new baby" or "I have a Torah to study" and am therefore too busy to rescue a suffering animal? Are we Buddhists? i.e., do believe that we shouldn't CAUSE suffering, but are permitted to passively watch it in front of our eyes without DOING something?

(22)
leo,
January 10, 2005 12:00 AM

very nice article

very nice article. of course there are always a few minor points which people will disagree with, but overall, very good.

I myself was a vegetarian for several years when I was younger. I'm not anymore, but I still can't bring myself to eat poultry. (*shruggs* don't ask me why! :) ) anyways, I think it's important for everyone reading this article to remember -- even if YOU choose not to eat meat, that doesn't make it a mitzva (commandment). So, always be sure not to push your views onto others.
In fact, the same goes in the opposite direction too, meat-eaters -- don't try to convince a vegetarian to try a hot-dog if s/he doesn't want to!

Having said that, I do wish to say that there are valid and compelling reasons to eat meat on certain occasions (even if one is not necessarily a tzaddik {righteous person}), but, at least for now, it's perfectly OK to be vegetarian if one wants to. BUT, as the article pointed out, it should NOT be b/c "killing animals is wrong". That's simply not true. G-d made the rules. He created animals and knows what "rights" they have or don't. Animals have the right to be treated properly, but they don't have the right to deny being used for food.

And I'm sure it's painful to see an animal suffer, but sometimes that's the way it is. If one looks at the cycle of life in the wild, one will see that predators are not friendly in how they prepare their dinner, but noone would deny that that's how G-d set up the system! After all, the animals weren't vegetarians!
Now, that doesn't mean that WE should act like animals, it does not mean that we can be complacent about the cruelty to any living creature. What it does mean is that we are allowed to eat animals. And even if the best conditions were fulfilled in their treatment (which I would be thrilled if it happened), still, surely one would still be saddened to watch the animal be killed. Yet, that is what we are allowed (and sometimes commanded) to do. Let's never forget that.

So, bottomline, eating animals is OK, while striving to minimize their discomfort is ideal.

well, my two cents ;)

oh, and in regard to the post from Stefaan -- while I never studied the matter, so I honestly can't say for sure, how about the following idea for an answer:
firstly, the article may have been slightly unclear, as I'm pretty sure that the mitzva (commandment) is not against "severing, or, eating...", but against "severing TO eat while alive".

also, if we only had the mitzva (commandment) not to eat from a living limb, then one might assume that it is merely a requirement for the food to be considered kosher. not that there's necessarily anything wrong with the act vis a vis the animal, but it would be wrong vis a vis the "food". while if we only had the mitzva of "not hurting animals" we might not conclude that it holds true for eating animals, since it might just be considered "part of eating", which would then be OK.

my $.01
thanks again aish,
ciao

(21)
Stefaan Van Langendonck,
November 7, 2004 12:00 AM

surprise about detailed character of the mitzvahs

The lofty character of the Rebbetzin and the Rabbi's comments is food for the soul.
As for the mitzvahs, being a Gentile who has never read the Torah, I am a bit perplexed by their elaborate and detailed nature. If it is already clearly stated you are not supposed to inflict pain upon an animal, it seems redundant to add you shouldn't sever a limb.

(20)
Shirley Ellis,
August 1, 2003 12:00 AM

I love animals, I don't want to eat them!

I am a free thinker and I follow my heart and what my moral code demands of me when it comes to making decisions.
I am responsible for my choices and I will be held accountable for what I choose.

(19)
Ari Haviv,
July 12, 2003 12:00 AM

What will Jewish Vegetarians do when the Moshiach comes and we are served the meat of the Levyasun? Or the commandment to eat of the Korban Pesach? Let's not create a new Torah. There is a special brocha on slaughtering an animal and it is certainly proper to eat fish on Shabbos and meat on Yom Tov. And let's not forget the health issues: most vegetarians are deficient in B12 and omega 3 fatty acids.

(18)
Henning Lundberg,
July 8, 2003 12:00 AM

Very enlightning!

Very good!

(17)
Judy Lipman,
June 30, 2003 12:00 AM

A visit to a Slaughter

I want to thank you for opening this subject up for discussion. Because it is only after we hear both sides of this subject that we can decide whether or not we should be Vegetarians, especially Jewish Vegetarians...I believe that no one should have another breakfast, lunch or dinner until they visit a slaughterhouse and see what is taking place there. If you cannot vist one, at least see a film showing how your beef, chickens and veal is prepared for you. I doubt very much after you see for yourself how the animals suffer that you will want to have another piece of meat, veal or chicken.I cannot believe that God wanted the animals that he created to be treated that way just because we like the taste. When instead you can enjoy the wonderful, unlimited delicious fruits, vegetables, beans, grains, nuts and seeds that God has provided which contain with all the nutrients that we need for a long and healthy life.Instead of growing food to feed the animals we can grow enough food so that no one need go hungry, and we would not be polluting the environment.

his animals

(16)
David Rosenfeld,
June 27, 2003 12:00 AM

Mixed reaction

I enjoyed the article by Rebbetzin Twersky and Rabbi Simmons. I am an observant Jew who has been vegetarian and active in animal welfare issues for almost twenty years.

I acknowledge Judaism's separation between human and animal inherent value. I'm glad that the article also makes reference to Judaism's concern for animal welfare, and briefly refers to the horrible conditions under which factory-farmed animals are raised. I think that point merits expansion. I believe that halachic consideration for animal welfare has entirely taken a back seat to economic convenience when it comes to agribusiness animal husbandry. Any degree at all of concern for animal welfare should cause an immediate rejection of nearly all factory farm methodologies. If that "lucky chicken" at the Shabbos table is like most, she never once in her life saw daylight. She never once in her life spread her wings because she was crushed into a one foot square cage with at least four other chickens. She never felt a solid floor because the base of her cage was foot-cutting wire. She had her beak burned off and her toenails clipped. She endured the stench of the waste of thousands of other birds so awful that a person visiting for only a few minutes had to wear a protective face mask. It was unbearably hot in the summer and freezing cold in the winter. If her eggs were hatched to obtain laying hens, the male offspring were deemed "trash" by the industry and were ground alive or left to suffocate. When her laying days were over she was grabbed by her legs, crushed into a truck with hundreds of other chickens, fastened onto an assembly line while hearing, seeing and smelling squawking and blood all around her.

The same story of suffering can be repeated for all other factory-farmed food animals, with no exceptions made because the animal was slaughtered according to the laws of kashrus.

I think this reality needs to be considered as we discuss Judaism's view of the use of animals for human consumption.

Thank you for the opportunity to engage in respectful dialogue regarding this issue.

(15)
Leah Abramowitz,
June 26, 2003 12:00 AM

Very important article

I often have discussions with non-observant contacts and they have a warped view of what can be eaten and what can't be eaten, how the suffering of animals should be in the forefront of any sensitive human being, and that we aren't really religious if we don't take these things into consideration. ThereforeI'm glad you took the trouble to spell out the Jewish view of Vegetarism.

Looking forward to meeting you in mid-July.

(14)
Anonymous,
June 26, 2003 12:00 AM

Thanks for a thoughtful, scholarly treatise. You've offered a rational response to an emotionally laden topic.

(13)
Susan Ellman,
June 25, 2003 12:00 AM

I've always looked upon eating meat as one of those things (like slavery and war) which the Torah has permitted us to do when we must but also has so many accompanying complications and restrictions that we shouldn't feel encouraged to do it wantonly.

One visitor comments that being a vegetarian is simpler than being a meat eater. It's also becoming more popular. Its global economic and ecological impact and its toll on our health is certainly less. And for the Jewish housekeeper, it means having fewer dishes to worry about! I think, though, that part of the value of keeping mitzvot is that it does and should make our life more complicated. To stop and think about whether to eat a piece of food or how to prepare it makes us more mindful of our intentions, more disciplined, and less complacent about how we're living our lives. If I were just a default vegetarian the way many of my gentile friends are, if I had never soaked and salted a piece of meat or concerned myself about kashrut, I think I would have missed something precious and sacred in life.

(12)
Sherri Gross,
June 24, 2003 12:00 AM

Thank you for addressing this topic. I am, however, dismayed and confused at your listing of all the laws regarding treatment of animals and Rav Moshe's rulings and yet in thousands of Orthodox homes you have veal served up and factory farm chickens on the plate. The amount of cruelty that goes into the making of these foods, cannot possibly be deemed kosher by the standards that you have listed. That does not equate humans with animals as you accuse Peta of doing. But cramming 6 chickens to a shoebox size crate their whole miserable life and cutting off their beaks so they don't peck each other in their madness; or yanking newborn calves from their mothers and keeping them anemic in crates not large enough to turn around and a slew of other tortures too numerous to go into here is clearly in direct violation of Jewish law. And ignorance has never been an excuse in Judaism, as far as I understand it, especially when it's purposeful ignorance. I'm sure the world is alot better off now that the Japanese are taller, as one commenter seems to feel, but clearly all "nutcases" are not in the vegetarian grouping.

(11)
Bruce Birnberg,
June 24, 2003 12:00 AM

But what of G*d's will?

Interesting piece, but what of discerning HaShem's will for his human creation. i have always liked the frame that G*d intended humans to be vegetarians, but compromised with our base human desire for flesh after the flood [when He decided not to fully destroy humankind]. Thus, meat eating can also be seen as not completely in tune with HaShem's vision of us as spiritually elevated beings!
BB

(10)
Yosef Ben Shlomo Hakohen,
June 24, 2003 12:00 AM

Why Vegans Need Supplements

Today, most vegeterians who avoid even eating dairy products or eggs have to take Vitamin B12 supplements. In addition, I and several people I know who were on a healthy vegetarian diet - including whole grains, nuts, beans, eggs and dairy products - became very weak and were forced to eat small amounts of fish and/or meat. How is it that Adam and Eve and the early generations of humankind did not need to take these supplements to their vegetarian diet? According to the noted biblical commentators, the Sforno and the Malbim, as a result of the great flood, the quality of the soil and the produce was greatly reduced; thus, a vegetarian diet was no longer able to provide all the nutrients and strength needed by a human being.
While a diet which is mostly vegetarian is considered healthier today by many nutritionists, a diet which is 100 percent vegetarian does not seem to work for everybody. The earth has not yet returned to the level of the Garden of Eden.

Shalom,
Yosef Ben Shlomo Hakohen

(9)
Michael Hornum,
June 24, 2003 12:00 AM

Raising Sparks Is Not So Easy

Thank you for the article. As a long-time vegetarian Jew, I read it with interest. I would like to point out that the Sdei Chemed (Inyan Achilah) raises a number of points in favor of vegetarianism, even on Shabbat and Yom Tov, that have nothing to do with whether one likes meat or not. Also, while all eating should be done with "to elevate the Divine energy ... to a higher human level; to use energy derived from eating to discharge spiritual and moral responsibilities; and to serve God through the pleasures of His world", there are aspects to eating meat, even on Shabbat and Yom Tov, that seem to me to bring into question our ability to properly do this today.

We currently live in a world where human (including Jewish) poverty and hunger is still common, but where the production or harvest of animals for consumption requires the use of a significantly greater amount of food and other resources (like land, grain, legumes, sea vegetables, water, etc. needed to feed/raise the animals or fuel, netting material, etc. to catch/transport the animals) than the production/harvest of an equally nutritious plant products for direct human consumption. In such circumstances, the act of eating flesh and deriving energy from it would appear to violate the mitzvot of veahavta lereyacha kamocha and tzedakah because it uses up food and other resources necessary for impoverished hungry humans (including our fellow Jews) in order to produce, harvest, and market animals for our own needless consumption.

In addition, the amount of resources required to produce and/or harvest our food animals contributes greatly to the destruction of the environment. I am thinking not only of the land, food, water, and fuel used for these purposes, but also of the animals and plants destroyed to raise or acquire animal flesh. Take for example, the numerous non-food fish or sea turtles/sea mammals that are killed in nets to capture the food fish or the predators that continue to be killed to prevent loss of sheep, chickens, etc. All of this would appear to be unnecessary if the animal flesh we consume is not necessary for our sustenance. Would this not violate the mitzvah of bal tash’chit?

Thus, in such circumstances, I personally find it better to focus on raising the sparks by eating items that require less destruction and make available more resources for others, and meat and fish do not fall into these categories.

(8)
Marvin Schilder,
June 24, 2003 12:00 AM

Food and spirituality.

Very nicely written.

(7)
Chaya,
June 24, 2003 12:00 AM

Dissapointing article

I do wish this article had given more attention to the fact that the meat industry is ruining the beautiful world we were given to enjoy and is causing unnecessary suffering of animals in gross and scary proportions, which can hardly be the kind of treatment of living beings one could call Jewish.
And to the commentator who mentioned that he believes vegetarians are insecure: it does seem that your reaction to this article springs from something that is deeply troubling you. Such extremist and offensive comments hardly have a place in rational dialogue! Maybe you should review what it is that threatens you about those who live compassionately while following Jewish laws. While Japanese people may be getting a little taller, every "Westernized" nation is dying preventable deaths due to their consumption of meat. Height hardly makes up for the death of a beloved parent or sibling, I believe anyone would agree.

(6)
Anonymous,
June 24, 2003 12:00 AM

A Great Review of the Torah View on Vegetarianism

Thanks for writing this article! I was Vegan for about 7 or 8 years. As I started to learn about Yiddishkeit I began to understand that by eating animals we are actually enabling them to reach their purpose. Obviously we should be careful to treat them well but as long as we have the right cavanagh in mind it is ok to eat them. Possibly people who used to be vegetarians possess an enhanced sensitivity to animals and can use it to have a more intense appreciation when they elevate them through eating. Your article inspired me to remember to have the right intentions when eating. I give everyone the bracha that we should all be able to turn the opportunity of eating, which we do so many times per day,into one of appreciation and an outlet to connect with Hashem.

(5)
Lee R Tracy,
June 23, 2003 12:00 AM

Great Article

This is a great article. I am a mostly vegetarian. I generally don't eat meat, but on occassion, I will eat fish. I do this partly because it makes keeping Kosher simpler, and also, because I believe that we spend way too much money and resources on animals, and that livestock in the US cause many ecological problems. It is an additional layer of Kashrut for me, wanting to choose not to eat meat, not because it is intrinsically evil, or because I don't like it (I LOVE MEAT!) but because we eat too much of it, we take it for granted, and we don't generally (Jews or Gentile Americans) really, really enjoy it, as we are commanded! But still, I will have meat. On Pesach, we have a brisket, and I'll relish that meal. My approach to vegetarianism gives others pause and cause to think. I stress to people that I am not trying to indict their eating meat. I just don't usually do it. If pressed, I'll mention my views on the environmental damage, but usually I will stress the Torah teachings that we must enjoy it if we are to eat it.

(4)
Rachel Glyn,
June 23, 2003 12:00 AM

Appreciate your thoughtful article!

I have always preferred milchig meals to fleshig meals. Not only do they taste better, but I never liked being fleshig and having to wait until it was okay to eat dairy again.
Although animals aren't on the same level as human beings, it has to pull at the heart of a human being with a soul to take the life of an animal.
I think many Jews eat too much meat and too many other unhealthy foods. In Weight Watchers, I learned that beef was 2 points per ounce while white chicken or turkey is 1 point per oz. But beans and several other foods can provide protein plus much needed fiber (the enemies of heart disease and cancer) without all the fat and animal slaughter that you get when you eat meat.
Although I am not philosophically opposed to eating something that Hashem has given us permission to eat, I think we would all do well to eat more vegetarian foods for reasons of our health. It bothers me to see so many frum Jews walking to shul on Shabbos looking as though they have a bowling ball in their stomach.
Part of keeping spirituality when you eat involves eating what you need and not overindulging in goodies that will produce health problems later. It does take a great deal of self control to quit eating foods that one really likes very much, but perhaps people should think about how they will explain to Hashem why they spoiled the marvelous body that Hashem gave them by overindulging in foods that are laden in fat, low in fiber, and not partaking enough of the beautiful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that Hashem created for our pleasure and our health.

(3)
Adam Neira,
June 22, 2003 12:00 AM

Meat is Good !

Fact...Japanese people since the end of the second world war have shown an increase in average height of about 15cm ! This is almost entirely to do with the increase in their meat consumption. Meat is good for you. Anti meat-eating people who are zealous vegetarians are often delusional individuals who project their own inner hatreds onto humankind as a whole, and see animals as needing to be protected from "cruel" humans. Most zealous vegetarians eat plants for spiritual and emotional comfort. Prince Charles is a good example of a member of the "nutcase" vegetarians.

(2)
raye,
June 22, 2003 12:00 AM

Right on!

I can't begin to tell you how much I appreciate this article. I was a vegan for several years and felt great before I became a baalus techuva in Boro Park. Since then, studying yiddishkeit became my main priority, at the expense of my diet. I am a vegetarian now but eat other food when invited for Shabbat. I felt I had to compromise if I did not want to offend people. Otherwise I would have to live the life of a recluse.

(1)
Anonymous,
June 22, 2003 12:00 AM

most informative overview.

This was particularly informative in light of the recent PETA campaign